Google Ireland team up with the GPA and WGPA to Support Small Businesses

GPA and WGPA members can also avail of a new Career Development Programme developed exclusively for inter-county players

2nd November ‘20: Google Ireland, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) have announced details of a new partnership which offers inter-county players the opportunity to benefit from both business development and career development mentoring from experienced and highly qualified Google employees.  The two bespoke programmes are available exclusively for GPA and WPGA members.

Inter-county players who are small business owners, are encouraged to apply for the Business Development Programme which will include practical advice and mentoring to help them grow and enhance their online presence.  The programme will offer small businesses full support through a series of mentoring sessions led by Google’s own dedicated team of experts, who will share their expertise, insights and practical tips to help motivate and empower them to better understand the needs of their customers and build a successful business online.  10 spots are available on the programme per quarter.

All players can also apply to become part of the Career Development Programme where the Google team will offer guidance and advice on all aspects of career progression.  64 players will be able to take part in the programme per quarter.

Commenting on the partnership, Paul Flynn, CEO of the GPA said; “We are delighted to be partnering with Google Ireland on this initiative.  For our members who are business owners and entrepreneurs this is a great opportunity to team up with a Google mentor who will coach them and provide them with the necessary digital tools and skills to successfully run and grow their business online.  For any of our members who wish to work in tech, they can benefit from having a Google mentor assist them with their CV and interview prep specific to the sector.”

Maria Kinsella, Chairperson of the WGPA, added; “This partnership presents a unique opportunity for our members and we are delighted to work with an organisation such as Google Ireland for the benefit of inter-county players.  It is hugely important to emphasise to players that they need to think about their educational and career development.  These two programmes can be highly influential in this regard.”

Commenting on the partnership, Alice Mansergh, Director of Small Business Solutions, Google

said; “GPA and WGPA members have already enjoyed wonderful careers in one field, and we’re thrilled at Google to help them develop their skills and ideas in another. Google is committed to supporting Irish businesses as they navigate their way through Covid-19 to the future beyond. We hope these mentoring sessions provide lifelong digital skills that will benefit GPA and WGPA members and help them to successfully manage their businesses both online and offline.”

Google Ireland’s partnership with the GPA and WGPA is part of Google’s Grow with Google initiative, which aims to help people and businesses acquire the skills needed to embrace the opportunities that technology presents in today’s working world. As part of this, Google has committed support for 60,000 Irish SMEs and to provide free training to 40,000 people in digital skills by the end of 2021.

Places are limited and applications are now open.  Closing date is November 11th. To register contact Ian Reeves – ian@gaelicplayers.com

For further information:

You can hear more about the partnership between Google Ireland, the GPA and the WGPA on The Players’ Voice, a GPA podcast, where Goggle Ireland’s Marie Davis is among the guests.  You will find it here:

Soundcloud:                http://bitly.ws/at7D

Spotify:                        https://spoti.fi/37YXlkR

Apple Podcasts:          https://apple.co/2TMjDhe